The Trouble with Caasi: A Novel

by Debbie Macomber

This classic novel from Debbie Macomber explores the tender, intimate joys of love and family.  A driven workaholic, CEO Caasi Crane has sacrificed all semblance of a personal life to build a West Coast hotel empire. But business as usual will never be the same when the man Caasi trusts with all her heart abruptly resigns. Having to replace her top manager isn’t the end of the world—or at least it shouldn’t feel like it. So why does it hurt so much to lose him?   Blake Sherrill is excellent at his job, and he knows it. But when it comes to Caasi, the time has come to cut his losses. Ironically, now that he’s ready to walk away from the woman he cares for, he gets what he’s wanted all Caasi’s undivided attention. Dragging her into his family’s frenzy of potlucks, weddings, and bouncing babies, Blake tries to teach an isolated career woman about the world outside her lonely penthouse—and a love that’s strong enough last a lifetime.   Published by Debbie Macomber Books

Genres: Romance, Audiobook

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[HippieWitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blake is a huge narcissist. And a whiny baby. Did not care for his role

[Bree Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s the thing, I LOVE Debbis Macomber. She is who I consider my FIRST romance author and I love to read her classics here and there in hopes that eventually I’ll have them read. With that being stated, they are so hit or miss from me. I either LOVE them or HATE them. With The Trouble With Caasi, I didn’t love it but I HATED the hero which was my exact feelings for another one of her classics. In this one, the hero Blake was just a total JERK. And at the end of the book, we are supposed to believe that he’s been in love with CAASI since the first time he saw her and I guess he was getting frustrated that she didn’t pick up on that over the years. DUDE, YOU ARE A GROWN MAN, if you feel some type of way either say it or try harder to not be a jerk and maybe she’ll pick up on it?
Caasi was bred to be a business woman by her father-Not in some harsh way but he was a single dad and set her up to be taken care of basically-and she OWNED being a business woman at first...then it become this weird vibe of now wanting a family and all that which is REAL LIFE, women feel like that everyday but had Blake been a better written hero I would’ve been like COOL, pursue that! But ew no! Not for Blake. He acted like a first grade boy with a crush who doesn’t understand any other way to express his feelings but to HURT his crushes feelings.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as a part of the Together Again bind up and hated this story. This is about a woman who inherits her dad's hotel company. She has an employee who has been with her for 6 years and he resigns. The reason is because he loves her but there is no indication of any past relationship or attraction. They are SO hot and cold its unbelievable and the amount he calls her cupcake is disgusting. Hated everything about this story. So underdeveloped, unrealistic, and stupid.

[betty owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Cassie,s love story

This was the most heart warming story l have read in a while ,it made remember the the love l have for my late husband.l fell in love all over again.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blake was an immature jerk to Caasi at every turn. Instead of being an adult and asking her out on a date he sulked, talked down to her, insulted her, and kept telling her she should have "figured it out by now". Caasi, the 28 year old virgin, was an idiot for putting up with a guy who hurt her feelings with just about every conversation they had. I just couldn't stand either one of them.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trouble with Caasi, is that she is so fixated on her business, that she doesn't see what is right in front of her. Caasi has been running Crane Industries for 5 years since her father's death. Her two best friends are married and having babies. She wants it too, but her business is her life or is it? Watch her wrestle with Blake her general manager, and how to get what she wants.

[Vanessah · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first started reading this, I really felt like I somehow missed a few chapters of the beginning. I couldn't tell if Blake was leaving the company because he was done with it or because he loved her. His personality felt really forced, and it really ruined any chance of those 'romantic' vibes. I didn't care for him as a love interest.

[Ann McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed yet another old book

I loved it the first time. But now I love it again updated the second time! Young love can be so blind and stupid! Funny and hurtful! All at the same time! That is why communication is so very important in any and all relationships!
Debbie has done it again!!

[roger tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put down

Poor Caasi buried in her work doesn't notice Mr Right whose worked with her six years. Communication is such a big problem but not the passion that flows between them.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun cute little book. Caasi takes over her father’s hotel business when he dies and it consumes her. She sort of envy’s her two friends who are both married and expecting a baby.

When her most valuable employee resigns his position there is friction that bubbles up between them.

[Cheyenne T]

Another quick read, and I preferred this one to the last. A bit more character development, and slightly more believable story. I still would’ve liked the transitions between the couple breaking up and getting back together to be more smooth, but it was a decent, fluffy read!

[Elizabeth Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie. I picked this up today for my Kindle for a leisurely re-read. If you're a fan of Debbie Macomber and haven't read this gem yet, pick it up. It's one of many of her classic titles that have been released for Kindle.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realized I had already read this book in another 2 books in one. I couldn’t remember exactly what happened so I decided to read it again. This book reminded me more of what I’m starting to not like about romance novels. A simple miscommunication kept them arguing and apart.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little palette cleanser. Macomber's books are always my go to after delving into the darkness for too long (true crime and horror). You're not going to find a lot of depth to the story as it felt like an unfinished rough draft. However, it's a cute little story with a pretty cover.

[Diane M. Plitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true classic

This truly a classic. Debbie Macomber is my favorite author. I read every book of hers that I can get my hands on.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, I love Debbie Macomber's story line and delivery. Easy to read and yet not boring. Love the characters. Looking forward to more.

[Lis Sigona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Debbie Macomber. She didn’t disappoint and I read through it without wanting to put it down. Lighthearted reading in today’s stressed out world.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast easy read. A little frustrating.... Say what you mean dude. Male main character got on my nerves.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a nice, quick, feel good book.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read and as always with Debbie Macomber, happy ending!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read. Not good. Like at all.

[Patricia Welton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light read can finish in a day or two. Perfect pick for when you want a break from something heavy or emotionally draining

[Sage Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated this book. Blake was terrible the whole time and somehow a powerful ceo woman was okay with it and even fell in love with it. Very frustrating

[Rodeo · Rating 1 out of 5]

So thankful Debbie has grown and matured as an author. This could be a Harlequin romance. Not much depth of character or story development but an insatiable sex drive. Couldn't finish it. Sometimes books written in 1985 should not be revisited.
Case and point.

[CM Vician · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I absolutely love reading Debbie Macomber books.
Second, this is not one of her books that I would recommend nor would I re-read this one.

I could relate to the story of a business woman who has let otherwise normal life -- that of dating and finding romance or family -- go by the wayside. However, this story was awkward and the main characters unbelievable as the story unfolded.

I'm just sad that I actually purchased the Kindle version, instead of getting a loan from the library. A smaller investment than buying a paperback, but at least I can pass a paperback on to Goodwill or some other used bookstore or sale. What do you do with unused digital books that you no longer want or wish to re-read?

[Eileen Moss]

I got a bit frusstrated by Blake and Caasi not admitting how much they both loved each other. It took until the very end of the story for them to admit their love. It was obvious from the start that Blake loved Caasi from the start, but she sure was slow to realize (admit) her feelings. It was a true love story.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The End...Tell Me No!

I can understand the clashing of personalities and frustrations that made up most of this book....different backgrounds and personal focus. I was deep in reality shock when all issues were solved in the last 5 minutes of the book! There were so many loose ends that I wanted to see developed. Felt like I hit a brick wall!

[Georgia Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming

This book is both heartwarming and frustrating at the same time. Every time Caasi and Blake misunderstood each other you wanted to yell at them. Although I did feel it ended a little too abruptly. I wanted to follow them a little more as they finally get it right.

[Kathleen A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little unrealistic at times, however, it does strongly illustrate the influence of a parent on their child. Therefore, parents need to know what they really want for their children. Good and easy read!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this bittersweet love story and I can see myself revisting my favourite parts.